NYC members Ann Kirwan and Brendan Briscoe raced their Schull-based Ruffian Orca II in Calves Week 2026, their 6th consecutive year to compete in the event.

Orca II was entered in the 10-boat White Sails 2 (WS2) Echo fleet with NYC Commodore Rosemary Cadogan signed up for all 4 days. They were joined by NYC’s Robin Hilliard and Nika from the Ukraine for the Fastnet race on day 2. Mike and Deirdre Buttanshaw and Ann’s niece Sophie were invaluable crew on the other days. 

The 80 boats racing over 6 classes were greeted with champagne sailing conditions throughout the 4 days, enjoying warm sunshine and plenty of wind for the first 3 days, especially on Wednesday for the Fastnet race. 

With all classes sailing the same course for the Fastnet race (weather mark, Goat Island, Fastnet, Amelia and finish in the harbour), it was quite a sight to see the bigger boats catching up with the smaller boats as they rounded the Fastnet in a strong breeze and quite a swell.